328 APPENDIX II. 



nianuraise, or set free, any slave or slaves, on condition that they should not 

 become burthensome to the parish. 



At that period, the number of slaves (men, women, and children) be- 

 longing to individuals was 1292, Not having any record of the Company's 

 slaves and free blacks, prior to 1803, I cannot give a correct view of the 

 increase of black population since 1792. I am, however, enabled to shew, 

 that there has been an increase since 1803. This is, in fact, the most 

 accurate period to begin with, because, in 1802 the progress of population 

 received a check, by a mortality of about 160, occasioned by the measles. 

 Beginning then at 1803, the increase of black population will be seen by 

 the following comparison. 



In 1803, slaves (men, women and children) belonging to individuals 1127 

 Company's slaves _ - - - - - 81 



Free blacks _-~ - - - 331 



Total 1539 



In 1812, slaves belonging to individuals - , . _ 1150 



Company's slaves - - - - - 89 



Free blacks - ^ - - - - 448 



Total 1687 

 Diffeience, or increase, 'in nine years, - - - 148 



This is pevhayis'as correct a ^w as can be made, in any place or island, 

 of the change that has taken place in the number of inhabitants ; because 

 not more than two or three instances have occurred of subtracting by deser- 

 tion or removal, and none of adding, by the import of foreign blacks, within 

 this period of nine years. 



Chinese labourers were first introduced in 1810. Three years afterwards 

 there were 270 able men. The government of the island were so well 

 satisfied of their utility that it was resolved to augment the establishment 

 to 400. Some account of their employments, pay, &c. is given in p. 186. 



